Entertainment

The week in classical: The Dead City; Black Angels; Re:sound – review

  • 02. Apr 2023. 9:21
  • By The EU Times
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This week, the English National Opera's production of The Dead City at the Coliseum in London was met with critical acclaim, while two other classical music events, Black Angels at Kings Place and Re:sound at the BBC Concert Orchestra, received glowing reviews.

The Dead City, by composer George Crumb, is a powerful exploration of war, loss and grief, and was brought to life by ENO's production. Directed by Annilese Miskimmon, the production featured a cast of 20 singers and a live orchestra, and was praised for its emotional intensity. The Guardian's critic said the piece was “a vivid, harrowing and ultimately hopeful vision of a world in turmoil”.

Meanwhile, Kings Place hosted Black Angels, a performance of works by Franz Schubert and George Crumb by Manchester Collective. The Guardian's critic praised the group for their “great insight and refinement” and for their “knack for coaxing new sounds out of familiar material”.

Finally, Re:sound, a project by Streetwise Opera, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Royal Northern College of Music, was performed at the BBC Concert Orchestra. The performance was a collection of works about the experience of living in cities, with music from Gershwin, Ellington and Bernstein, as well as commissions from new composers. The Guardian's reviewer was impressed by the “vibrant, imaginative and sometimes moving performances” of the works.

Overall, this was a week of successes in the classical world. The Dead City, Black Angels and Re:sound all received glowing reviews, with audiences and critics alike praising the performances for their emotional power, musical insight and vibrant energy.